And shocked onlookers have noticed that, following the erection of scaffolding on the side of the building, the picture has disappeared.

However, it is not clear if the mural has been permanently removed or has simply been protected to avoid further damage.

Paul Buckthorpe, whose company erected the scaffolding, says he does not know what has happened to the mural.

"I haven't got a clue," he said. "I put the scaffolding up for general repairs to the wall - that's all I knew.

John Brandler says it would be sacrilege for the Banksy mural to be completely removed

"I only found out this morning it had gone. I was quite shocked."

Dover and Deal MP Charlie Elphicke told KentOnline at the start of this month that he was pressing Dover District Council to protect the piece.

"The Banksy mural should be preserved for the town. It has become an iconic piece of culture that draws visitors to Dover," he said.

“As part of our Save our Banksy campaign we applied to have the building listed.

“Historic England would not do so. However, it can be preserved by the council using their planning powers.

How the Banksy mural looked

“That’s why I have been pressing the council to take steps to Save Our Banksy.”

The former amusements is owned by the family of Jim Godden, who inherited his property portfolio after his death seven years ago.

Local authority leader Cllr Keith Morris said the council has been in negotiations with the Goddens and that “all options are open - whether that be restoring it, removing it, keeping it there without the building or keeping it there with the building”.